Black Women and Body Image

African American Females Talk Eating Disorders and Related Issues

Nov 13, 2006

African-American women are usually left out of the debate about body image and eating disorders because they are reputed to not have those worries. Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating allegedly don’t exist for black women. Of course this is untrue.

Black women are usually left out of the debate about body image and eating disorders because they are reputed to not have those worries.

African-American women are "supposed" to be self-confident and appreciate their curves; they are "supposed" to be honoured for their thick legs and ample butts. But is that really the case?

Anyana Byrd and Akiba Solomon have put together a provocative and poignant collection of essays from Black women who have something to say about stereotypes and how their bodies have affected their lives.

Each story is completely unique and told by voices both resilient and intelligent. The Editor’s themselves include their own stories and share in the frustration, power, wittiness and insight of these remarkable women.

Such notable names as Iyanla Vanzant, Tracee Ellis Rose, Jill Scott, Jill Nelson, Kelis, asha bandele, Melyssa Ford and Hilda Hutcerson grace the pages with their own essays, between names less well-known but equally as exceptional.

NAKED: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips, and other Parts

The copyright of the article Black Women and Body Image in Body Image is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Black Women and Body Image in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sep 8, 2008 4:22 PM

Guest :

My sister recently told me that I was a “pear” shape. I almost cried. I hate being referred to as a fruit. I know that most people use these terms to describe our shape, but there must be a nicer way to call my shape. So I decided to do some research...

I found a website that actually uses much better terms to describe our bodies. They use jewel types……what a great idea and way to describe our bodies! I am no longer “pear shaped…..instead I am “sapphire” shaped. I like that sooo much better. The website is <a href="http://www.holobi.com" rel="nofollow">www.holobi.com</a>.., kudos to them for thinking of this. My sister is a “diamond”…I hate her.

Sep 11, 2008 10:30 AM

Guest :

I am so happy that a book like this has arrived. I have battled an eating disorder since I was in my teens, and there have been moments when I feel very much alone and isolated when it comes to my body issues. I hope this will open doors for discussion on black women and how we feel about ourselves.